The Peak District

Founded as a monastic abbey in the late 12th century, Newstead Abbey was converted to a domestic home following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It is famous for being the former home of English poet, Lord Byron, who lived there between 1808 and 1814. Inside, guests can discover the fascinating history of Newstead Abbey, see Byron’s personal items, including furniture, letters, manuscripts and portraits, and explore Victorian room settings, the Gothic Revival Library and the Great Hall.

The magnificent Chatsworth House is a palatial home in the heart of the Peak District, which dates back to the 16^th century. Today, the lavishly adorned interiors house a significant collection of art and treasures that span more than 4,000 years: from ancient Egyptian sculptures and pieces by Reynolds and Rembrandt, to contemporary portraits by Lucian Freud. Don’t miss the incredible gardens – cultivated over centuries, they contain sculptures, a rock garden and a maze.

Located in the heart of the city centre, Sheffield Millennium Gallery displays the best of national and international art and design. The Gallery’s collections celebrate the city’s metalworking skills, and the incredible artefacts brought to the city by the artist and writer, John Ruskin. The gallery also houses the Guild of St George’s unique Ruskin Collection which was established in the 1800s to inspire the people of Sheffield.

Set in the rolling hills of Derbyshire, Hardwick Hall is an impressive example of Italian Renaissance architecture surrounded by beautifully cultivated gardens. The hall was created by local businesswoman Bess of Hardwick in the 16^th century and preserved by subsequent descendants, the Dukes of Devonshire. A unique collection of the finest 16^th and early 17^th century needlework, furniture and original portraits are displayed in the richly decorated hall.

Opened in 1982, Kelham Island Museum stands on a man-made island in one of the city’s oldest industrial districts. It houses a series of exhibits and interactive galleries, with objects, pictures and archive material representing Sheffield’s industrial history.